Once you have decided to enter the field of healthcare and become a healthcare administrator, you will need to take a few different steps, depending on your career goals.
The first step to become a healthcare administrator is to earn your undergraduate degree in healthcare administration or a similar topic. This will give you a solid foundation of the necessary skills and knowledge that a good healthcare administrator will need.
In a bachelor’s in healthcare administration degree program, you will learn topics, including:
- The structure of various healthcare organizations, including organizational dynamics and strategies within them
- The public, private and social influences that shape healthcare systems
- How finance plays a part in healthcare administration
- How to navigate between many healthcare sectors and prioritize both patients and employees in the process
Earning this undergraduate degree can help you to enter the workforce at a mid-level position in the healthcare field. Some common positions include:2
- Private practice office manager
- Healthcare consultant
- Medical reimbursement specialist
- Healthcare human resources manager
Additionally, look for ways to gain experience while earning your degree, if possible, as this will help you look more favorable to future employers.
Another way to earn experience and credibility, is by earning a graduate degree. To become a healthcare administrator, you will need to earn a Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA). This degree program helps aspiring healthcare administrators take their career to the next level and become a leader within the field of healthcare.
A Master of Science in Health Administration degree program can include classes such as:
- Healthcare research methods, analysis and utilization
- Leadership styles and development
- Analysis of contemporary health care delivery models
- Essential health care business analysis
Students will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field, learning from experts who will share extensive knowledge and experience in their respective fields.
A master’s degree is a great choice for those who aspire to reach high-level positions within the healthcare field. This includes becoming a healthcare administrator, as well as holding management positions and director positions.
While it’s not a necessary step to become a healthcare administrator, gaining additional certification may benefit you as an aspiring professional. For example, the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) certification/fellowship opportunities will help you demonstrate that you have superior skills, knowledge, and experience within healthcare administration that can set you apart from others in the eyes of an employer.
Some employers or states, however, may require a certain degree level or certification to apply. Be sure to check with the state in which you plan to work or investigate certain employers to see what their requirements are.
